What did we do?

We
have developed the perfect hands-on learning platform for both students and
professional engineers to learn the hardware and software of robotics.

STRETCH GOALS (all reached!)

We will be adding a tri-color LED and buzzer in every Pi-Bot without any additional cost to our kits. The buzzers are especially fun for our younger audience and the tri-color LED will lighten up all of your robots :)

This stretch goal is a big one for us and you! It really is something special for electronics education. This is an interactive software interface specially designed to introduce users to electronics before getting started with their Pi-Bot. It is a graphical module that will allow you to interface your outputs (LEDs, sensors, buzzers) with your STEM Board without any programming. In seconds, you will be able to light up your LEDs and sound off your buzzer. You'll be able to see the reaction to distance and light variations as the sensors are moved around and reactions are plotted live on your monitor! This interface will work with any Arduino-compatible board and future Pi-Bot add-ons such as servo motors. This is a huge addition to our project that we can't wait to bring to you! The software will be available for backers to install from our website.

You've been asking and we've heard you! In addition, to our downloadable manual, we'd like to provide you with video tutorials including the following:

Initial Set-Up

Introduction to Electronics

Gearbox Assembly

Pi-Bot Programming with Arduino IDE

Motor control

Sensor interface

Sample programs

We are collaborating with MiniBloq to set up a Pi-Bot specific graphical programming interface (drag-and-drop blocks). Users will also be able to see the generated source code as they transition to full-time C programming. We believe that this will be further beneficial for people of all ages with no programming knowledge. Please help us reach this new goal!

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Our project has been featured on the following shows, sites, and tech blogs! We've had some great media so far - thank you for all the support!

Did you miss us Live on Participant Media's "TakePart Live" show? Check out Melissa and the Pi-Bot here!

Missed our Kickstarter Campaign Press? Thank you so much to all the media who supported us! Check them all out here:

The Pi-Bot Project

Our
team has spent years testing all of the leading robotics kits on the market
today. Although many have impressive features, they are either too complicated
or overly simplistic... and always much too expensive. Today, a typical Arduino based robot usually costs over $150. Too often we spent money on kits that could not do much or were too costly to be practical. Not to mention, many of these kits used proprietary components that limited the scope of real-world usage.

We wanted to
change this.

We are a team of engineers who are passionate about teaching robotics. We run hands-on robotics programs to excite students about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. We founded "STEM Center USA" which offers engaging programs at our "Robotics Creativity Center", in- and after-school classes at local schools, and seasonal camps. Our program is for K-16 students who work on cross-platform robotics integrating all the STEM fields. We started with just a few students and in the last year alone have been able to reach thousands - and we hope this is just the beginning!

We are so excited to present our Pi-Bot!

We engineered the Pi-Bot from the ground up through several design cycles to optimize function while staying affordable. We continue to work with students to make our designs appealing, and work with experts in the area of robotics to improve our designs.

We field tested our Pi-Bots with a small group of high school and college students. The response has been remarkable. This is the kit we wish we had growing up!

Pi-Bot is unique:

Modular platform for interchangeable sensors

Standardized Arduino C programming

Novel chassis design minimizes weight while maintaining strength

Fully accessible microprocessor for easy connections

Slide in battery pack

Additional microprocessors can be used simply replacing the support plate

Develops practical knowledge by using real electronic components

All for a low cost!

Our laser-cut chassis ensures high precision and durability. The unique "Pi" shape is optimized to minimize weight with high strength.

We give you the flexibility to design your own projects with included line following and ultrasonic distance sensors. The modular chassis allows sensors to be moved and positioned for your convenience. No soldering is needed to fully construct your Pi-Bot!

We are currently developing an assortment of new sensors and motors for even more capabilities in the future. The Pi-Bot kit is flexible and can be used for years.

Just as humans
rely on skeletons, robots need a solid chassis to move around. Our Pi-Bot
shape was not born overnight. In fact, we didn't even set out to design a “Pi”
shaped robot! We explored various
shapes and sizes, experimented with multiple CAD models and tried out numerous laser-cutting test cycles.
We considered everything from a boring, but easy to make, rectangular chassis
all the way to a circular “Pie" Bot (where sensors would be added on like
toppings). Here’s a look at some of our original designs and prototypes!

After reviewing many, many options, we discovered the Pi shape
was the most functional, practical and elegant. Who knew a “π” could be the
most efficient robot chassis possible!?

Even within the Pi
shape itself, we had numerous iterations. Our final design was subjected to
finite element analysis and optimization. Our original Pi-Bot was about 2 times
the height and had 4 DC motors with wheels. Our Pi-Bot today has evolved into a
much more aerodynamic and speedier version with a gearbox.

To thank
contributors of $75 or more, we will send you the latest design of our Pi-Bot.
You will be given detailed step-by-step instructions for easy robot
assembly, wiring, and programming. The latest library of sample codes will be
accessible to all contributors, which you can build upon for your personalized
robot.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $15 or more
About $15

***STEM Board***

Thank you for being an early-bird supporter! Our STEM (Arduino UNO R3 Compatible!) Board is yours. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this board offers you unlimited opportunities to explore robotics, electronics, and programming! PLUS we'll make sure you receive your board before our Pi-Bots even go out!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

***Pi-Bot Screwdriver & Drawstring Sports Pack***
Technologists can always use a screwdriver and a bag to carry their tools in - to thank you for your support you'll receive your own Pi-Bot Screwdriver in addition to one of our Pi-Bot Drawstring Sports Packs.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

***Our Pi-Bot!***
This is our Kickstarter complete Pi-Bot Kit! Start off your robotics journey here or further your experience with our Pi-Bot. Download our color manual to guide you throughout the process. We are grateful for your help in making this product become a reality!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $850 or more
About $850

***Pi-Bot Classroom Educational Package***
Want to kickstart our Pi-Bot into your classroom? This is a fantastic way to implement robotics education at your high school/college! This special educational package will consist of 10 kits, tools, spare parts, and an instructor's guide for the teacher. Your school will receive a place on our "STEM Center Hall of Fame" on our website. Each Pi-Bot chassis will be personalized with your school name.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,000 or more
About $3,000

*****Ultimate Supporter*****
Thank you for your generous contribution on our Pi-Bot journey! To show our thanks, Lavanya or Melissa will personally visit your school/college to kickstart your robotics program. We'll conduct an all-day, high-energy (~6 hour) Pi-Bot workshop! We will bring 10 Pi-Bot packs personalized with your school name on every chassis. We'll help your teachers get started and provide an instructor's guide to maintain the program.